MORE than 2,000 signatures backing the Daily Echo's campaign to save the Hythe Ferry have been collected in just a fortnight.

Petitions have been flooding in from throughout the region from people de-manding that the service between the Waterside and Southampton must be kept afloat.

Pledges of support for the vessel that carries 400,000 passengers a year have even been received from across the globe, including ferry fans living as far afield as Australia.

We still need your support and petitions are available to sign in a host of shops in Hythe or they can be downloaded from our website, see panel below for details.

Ferry bosses have been overwhelmed by the show of support after the route was jeopardised by business rates that have soared by 740 per cent.

Valuation chiefs have agreed to review the figures on April 27 but if they don't back down the already heavily subsidised service could be forced to close.

Bob Tanner from Perth in Australia contacted the Daily Echo by e-mail. He wrote: "What a shame it would be if the Hythe Ferry service was closed down. I used the ferry for years. It was reliable, quick, convenient and cheap to access Southampton - an essential service.

"I remember the ferry with more than a hint of nostalgia, that of course doesn't pay the bills, but surely this service can be financed in a way to keep it running?"